Light source apparatus and image display apparatus

ABSTRACT

A light source apparatus including a light source section including one or more solid light sources capable of emitting light of a predetermined wavelength band as incident light; a light outputting section including a light emitting body to be excited by incident light from the light source section and to emit visible light having a wavelength band longer than a wavelength of the incident light, the light outputting section being capable of emitting synthetic light containing light having the predetermined wavelength band and visible light from the light emitting body; and a housing holding the light source section and the light outputting section, the housing including an inlet and an outlet formed not to face a light path of the incident light from the light source section to the light outputting section.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.14/784,081, filed Oct. 13, 2015, which is a national phase applicationof International Application No. PCT/JP2014/002408, filed May 2, 2014,and claims priority to Japanese Application No. 2013-119834, filed Jun.6, 2013, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein byreference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present technology relates to a light source apparatus, and an imagedisplay apparatus using the light source apparatus.

BACKGROUND ART

In recent years, more and more products employ solid light sources suchas LEDs (Light Emitting Diode) and LDs (Laser Diode) instead of existingmercury lamps, xenon lamps, or the like, as light sources used forpresentation or digital cinema projectors. A long-life fixed lightsource such as an LED does not need conventional replacement of lampsand lights up immediately at power-on, which are advantageous.

One type of such a projector employs a solid light source as anexcitation light source. A phosphor or the like is irradiated with lightfrom a solid light source as excitation light, and the phosphor or thelike is used to display an image. For example, blue light, and red lightand green light generated excited by the blue light as excitation lightare used to display a color image.

For example, according to a light source apparatus of Patent Document 1,a phosphor wheel is irradiated with blue laser light as excitationlight. The phosphor wheel includes a base and a phosphor layer formedthereon. The phosphor layer is irradiated with the excitation light, andyellow fluorescence is thus generated. The blue light and the yellowlight emitted from the phosphor layer are synthesized, and white lightis thus emitted (Patent Document 1, paragraphs [0028], [0029], etc.).

According to the disclosure of Patent Document 1, the phosphor wheelgenerates heat when it is irradiated with laser light. For example, ifthe phosphor wheel is irradiated with a larger amount of light toincrease output of the light source apparatus, then the phosphor wheelgenerates a larger amount of heat. According to Patent Document 1, apredetermined position of the phosphor wheel is irradiated withexcitation light while rotating the phosphor wheel to cool down thephosphor wheel. Further, by using a crystalline member such as crystaland sapphire having a higher thermal conductivity as the base of thephosphor wheel, cooling performance is increased (Patent Document 1,paragraphs [0005], [0006], etc.).

-   Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No.    2012-173593

SUMMARY OF INVENTION Problem to be Solved by the Invention

As described above, when light emitted from a light emitting body suchas a phosphor is used, it is important to cool down heat generated withirradiation with excitation light.

In view of the above-mentioned circumstances, it is an object of thepresent technology to provide a light source apparatus capable ofefficiently cooling down a light emitting body, which generates heatwhen it is irradiated with excitation light, and an image displayapparatus using the light source apparatus.

Means for Solving the Problem

To attain the above-mentioned object, according to an embodiment of thepresent technology, there is provided a light source apparatus includinga light source section, a light outputting section, and a housing.

The light source section includes one or more solid light sourcescapable of emitting light of a predetermined wavelength band as incidentlight.

The light outputting section includes a light emitting body configuredto be excited by incident light from the light source section and toemit visible light having a wavelength band longer than a wavelength ofthe incident light, the light outputting section being capable ofemitting synthetic light containing light having the predeterminedwavelength band and visible light from the light emitting body.

The housing holds the light source section and the light outputtingsection, the housing including an inlet and an outlet formed not to facea light path of the incident light from the light source section to thelight outputting section, and a space as a flow path of cooling airflowfor cooling down the light outputting section, the cooling airflow beingdrawn into the inlet and exhausted from the outlet.

According to the light source apparatus, the housing, which holds thelight source section and the light outputting section, includes theinlet, the outlet, and the space. The cooling airflow travels the spaceas the flow path from the inlet to the outlet, and thus cools down thelight outputting section including the light emitting body. The inletand the outlet are formed not to face the incident light from the lightsource section to the light outputting section. Accordingly it ispossible to prevent the incident light from being leaked from thehousing and to efficiently cool down the light outputting section.

The space may include a curving portion for curving a flow path ofcooling airflow travelling the light outputting section from the inletto the outlet.

As described above, by structuring the space such that the flow path ofthe cooling airflow is curved, it is possible to prevent the incidentlight from being leaked sufficiently.

The light outputting section may include a wheel supporting the lightemitting body, a motor for rotating the wheel, and a lens for focusingthe synthetic light. In this case, the inlet may be formed at such aposition that the cooling airflow drawn into the inlet is sent to thewheel and the motor.

By forming the inlet at such a position, it is possible to efficientlycool down the wheel and the motor.

The housing may include a base and a chassis supported by the base. Inthis case, the light outputting section may be held by the base.Further, the inlet may be formed to face the light outputting section.

The base may have a planar shape, the base including a first edgeportion and a second edge portion facing each other in a firstdirection. In this case, the chassis may include a side wall extendingin a second direction and a cap covering the side wall, the seconddirection being perpendicular to a planar direction of the base.Further, the inlet may be formed at the base side of the housing.Further, the outlet may be formed at the cap side of the housing.

According to the light source apparatus, the inlet is formed at the baseside, and the outlet is formed at the cap side. So the cooling airflowtravels from the base to the cap in the second direction. As describedabove, the flow path of the cooling airflow may be set in the seconddirection.

The one or more solid light sources may be arranged on the second edgeportion such that the incident light is emitted toward the first edgeportion side in the first direction as an optical-axis direction. Inthis case, the light outputting section may be arranged on the firstedge portion such that the synthetic light is emitted in the directionthe same as the optical-axis direction. Further, the inlet may be formedon the first edge portion of the base. Further, the outlet may be formednear the cap at the second edge portion side.

According to the light source apparatus, one or more solid light sourcesare arranged on the second edge portion of the base, and the incidentlight is emitted in the first direction as the optical-axis direction.The inlet is formed on the first edge portion of the base, and theoutlet is formed near the cap at the second edge portion side. So thecooling airflow travels from the inlet to the outlet passing through thelight outputting section in the second direction perpendicular to theoptical-axis direction. By setting the flow path in the directionperpendicular to the optical-axis direction, it is possible to preventthe incident light from being leaked sufficiently.

The space may have a light-attenuation path having a predeterminedlength formed toward the outlet.

By forming such a light-attenuation path, even if the incident light isleaked from the outlet, the light-attenuation portion is capable ofsufficiently reducing the energy of the light.

The chassis may include a plurality of frame members arranged such thatan overlapped portion is formed, adjacent portions of membersoverlapping with each other in the overlapped portion.

As described above, because the plurality of frame members are arrangedsuch that the overlapped portion is formed, it is possible to preventthe incident light from being leaked sufficiently. Further, by using theplurality of frame members, it is possible to structure the housinginexpensively and easily.

The light-attenuation path may be structured by a plurality of framemembers arranged such that an overlapped portion is formed, adjacentportions of members as the chassis overlapping with each other in theoverlapped portion.

As described above, the light-attenuation portion in the space may bestructured by assembling the plurality of frame members. Accordingly itis possible to form the light-attenuation portion easily.

The plurality of frame members may be mounted one by one starting fromthe base and are thus assembled such that the plurality of frame membersare not disassembled when the cap is fixed.

Accordingly it is possible to realize the housing, which is notdisassembled easily.

The cap may be fixed by a fixing member, a fixing status of the fixingmember being capable of being released by using a dedicated releasingmember.

Accordingly it is possible to sufficiently prevent the housing frombeing disassembled easily.

The light source apparatus may further include an airflow-sender forsending the cooling airflow into the inlet.

Accordingly it is possible to sufficiently cool down the lightoutputting section.

According to an embodiment of the present technology, there is providedan image display apparatus including the light source apparatus, animage-generating system, and a projecting system.

The image-generating system includes an image-generating deviceconfigured to generate an image with light, the image-generating devicebeing irradiated with the light, and a lighting optical systemconfigured to irradiate the image-generating device with incident lightfrom the light source apparatus.

The projecting system is configured to project an image generated by theimage-generating device.

Effect of the Invention

As described above, according to the present technology, is possible toefficiently cool down a light emitting body, which generates heat whenit is irradiated with excitation light.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 A perspective view showing the basic structure of the lightsource apparatus of an embodiment of the present technology.

FIG. 2 A diagram showing the light source apparatus of FIG. 1 from whichthe front member is removed.

FIG. 3 A diagram showing the light source apparatus of FIG. 2 from whichthe rear member and the cap member are removed.

FIG. 4 A plan view showing the light source apparatus of FIG. 3 seenfrom the above.

FIG. 5 A structural diagram schematically illustrating how the lightsource apparatus emits light.

FIG. 6 A perspective view showing a structural example of thelight-collection units.

FIG. 7 A perspective view showing a structural example of thelight-collection units.

FIG. 8 A plan view showing the light-collection units of FIG. 7 seenfrom the above.

FIG. 9 An enlarged view showing the enlarged flat reflector supported bythe support.

FIG. 10 A cross-sectional view showing the light source apparatus ofFIG. 1 along the C-C line.

FIG. 11 A diagram showing a structural example of the airflow-sendingunit for sending cooling airflow for cooling down the phosphor unit inthe space of the housing of the light source apparatus.

FIG. 12 A diagram showing the flow path of the cooling airflow when thelight source apparatus of FIG. 3 is seen from the above.

FIG. 13 Diagrams schematically showing other structural examples ofarrangements of a plurality of light-collection units.

FIG. 14 A diagram schematically showing a structural example of theprojector as the image display apparatus of the present technology.

MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present technology will be describedwith reference to the drawings.

[Light Source Apparatus]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the basic structure of the lightsource apparatus 100 of an embodiment of the present technology. FIG. 2is a diagram showing the light source apparatus 100 of FIG. 1 from whichthe front member 14 is removed. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the lightsource apparatus 100 of FIG. 2 from which the rear member 13 and the capmember 12 are removed. FIG. 3 does not show the heatsink 90 of FIG. 1and FIG. 2.

The light source apparatus 100 is a light source apparatus for aprojector configured to synthesize laser light of a blue wavelength bandand light of a red wavelength band to a green wavelength band, which isgenerated from fluorescent materials excited by the laser lights, and toemit white light. In this embodiment, the white light corresponds tosynthetic light.

As shown in FIG. 1, the light source apparatus 100 includes the base 1provided at the bottom, and the chassis 2 supported by the base 1. Thehousing 3 in this embodiment includes the base 1 and the chassis 2. Thehousing 3 holds the light source section 30 having one or more solidlight sources, and the phosphor unit 40 configured to receive light fromthe light source section 30, to generate white light, and to emit thewhite light. As shown in FIG. 3, in the space 4 in the housing 3, thephosphor unit 40 is irradiated with the incident light L from the lightsource section 30.

The base 1 has a planar shape, and has an elongated shape extending inone direction. The longer direction, i.e., the extending direction ofthe elongated base 1, is the lateral direction of the light sourceapparatus 100, and the shorter direction perpendicular to the longerdirection is the front-back direction. In short, one of the two longerportions facing each other in the shorter direction is the front side 5,and the other is the back side 6. The portion of the base 1 at the frontside 5 is the first edge portion 7, and the portion at the back side 6is the second edge portion 8. They face each other in the front-backdirection.

The direction perpendicular to both the longer direction and the shorterdirection is the height direction of the light source apparatus 100. Inthe example of FIG. 1, the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis directions are thelateral direction, the front-back direction, and the height direction,respectively. Above all, the front-back direction and the heightdirection correspond to the first direction and the second direction inthis embodiment, respectively. Further, the xy-plane directioncorresponds to the planar direction of the base 1.

The chassis 2 includes the side wall 9 extending in the height directionperpendicular to the planar direction of the base 1, and the cap 10 thatcovers the side wall 9. In this embodiment, the two side wall members11, the cap member 12, the rear member 13, and the front member 14constitute the housing 3 including the side wall 9 and the cap 10. Asshown in FIG. 3, the two side wall members 11 are mounted on the base 1.The side wall members 11 are engaged with the inner sides of the wallportions 15 formed on rim portions of the base 1, and mounted.

The cap member 12 is mounted on the tops of the two side wall members11. As shown in FIG. 2, the cap member 12 includes the right cover 16,the center portion 17, and the left cover 18. The right cover 16 and theleft cover 18 cover the two side wall members 11, respectively, and aresymmetric. Their shapes are approximately the same as the shapes of therim portions of the base 1. The center portion 17 couples the right andleft covers 16 and 18. The center portion 17 is a concave, and includesthe opening 19 at the front side. The opening 19 is approximately abovethe phosphor unit 40 held by the first edge portion 7 of the base 1.

The bent portions 20, which are extended downward in the heightdirection, are formed on the rim portions of the right and left covers16 and 18. The bent portions 20 are formed approximately on the entirerim portions of the right and left covers 16 and 18. The bent portions20 are overlapped on the outer portions of the side wall members 11, andthe cap member 12 is thus mounted. In other words, when the two sidewall members 11 and the cap member 12 are arranged, the overlappedportions 21 are formed, in which those portions are overlapped with eachother in the two adjacent portions. The overlapped portion 21 is aportion in which a part of one member is overlapped with a part of theadjacent member. Here, an upper portion of the side wall member 11 andthe bent portion 20 of the cap member 12 form the overlapped portions21.

As shown in FIG. 2, the rear member 13 is mounted such that the rearmember 13 and the back side of the center portion 17 of the cap member12 form the overlapped portion 21. The rear member 13 is arranged suchthat the rear member 13 covers the space between the two light sourcesections 30 arranged on the second edge portion 9 of the base 1. Therear member 13 is arranged such that the rear member 13 is overlappedwith a back side portion of the opening 19 formed in the center portion17 of the cap member 12.

As shown in FIG. 1, the front member 14 is mounted at the end. The frontmember 14 includes the front surface 22 and the top surface 23, and ismounted above the first edge portion 7 side of the base 1. The frontmember 14 is arranged such that the phosphor unit 40, which is arrangedon the first edge portion 7, is interposed between the first edgeportion 7 and the front surface 22, which comes from above. At thistime, the top surface 23 of the front member 14 is arranged such that itcovers the entire center portion 17 of the cap member 12. In otherwords, the top surface 23 of the front member 14 also covers a portionof the rear member 13, which is overlapped with the center portion 17.The two side walls 11 and the front surface 22 form the overlappedportions 21. Further, the top surface 23, and the center portion 17, andthe rear member 15 form the overlapped portion 21.

As described above, according to this embodiment, a plurality of framemembers including the two side wall members 11, the cap member 12, therear member 13, and the front member 14 constitute the chassis 2. Theplurality of frame members are assembled such that the overlappedportions 21 are formed in the adjacent portions. As a result, it ispossible to sufficiently suppress leakage of incident light travelingfrom the light source section 30 to the phosphor unit 40 and itsreflected light to the outside of the chassis 2. In other words, it ispossible to improve the light-blocking effect of the chassis 2. Further,compared to an integrally-formed chassis 2, for example, it is possibleto prepare the frame members by processing inexpensive metal plates andthe like, and to assemble the inexpensive chassis 2 easily.

The shapes, sizes, and the like of the overlapped portions 21 are notlimited. They may be arranged such that at least adjacent members areoverlapped with each other. If the overlapped portions 21 are formed onthe entire adjacent portions, the light-blocking effect is kept high.However, some portions may not be overlapped partly depending on designconstraint and the like. Further, light may likely to leak from thepositions of the light source section 30 and the phosphor unit 40 in thehousing 3 and the position of the light path of incident light. Bymaking the overlapped portions 21 larger near such positions, it ispossible to improve the light-blocking effect.

For example, adjacent members may be arranged such that they areoverlapped with each other, they may not directly contact each other,and a space may be formed therebetween. In this case, also, if the sizeof the overlapped area is sufficient, then it is possible to suppressleakage of light. The space between the members may be used as a flowpath for cooling airflow described below. As described above, members,which are arranged such that they are overlapped with each other and donot directly contact each other, may form the overlapped portion 21.

Further, since the plurality of frame members form the chassis 2, it ispossible to easily realize the cooling structure described below.

The plurality of frame members are mounted one by one starting from thebase 1. Further, when the cap member 12 and the front member 14constituting the cap 10 are fixed, they are assembled such that the cap10 is not disassembled. Accordingly, it is not possible to remove middlemembers such as, for example, the side wall members 11 when the capmember 12 and the front member 14 are fixed. As a result, it is possibleto realize the housing 3, which may not be disassembled easily, and itis possible to realize the highly-safe light source apparatus 100, whichis capable of preventing human body and the like from being irradiatedand the like with laser light. Further, it is possible to realize thestructure in which fastening members such as screws and screw nails andother fixing members are only used to fix the front member 14 and thecap member 12, and it is not necessary to use them to fix the othermembers. As a result, it is possible to reduce the number of necessaryfixing members, and it is possible to reduce the costs for components.

As shown in FIG. 1, special screws are used as the fixing members V1 forfixing the front member 14 and the cap member 12. The special screwmeans a fixing member whose fixing status can be released by using adedicated releasing member. For example, a screw having a head with ahole of a special shape is used. Examples of the special shape includepolygon shapes having a larger number of corners such as an octagon anda heptagon, a star shape having pointed convexes and round concaves, andthe like. It is necessary to prepare a dedicated releasing membercorresponding to the shape of the hole of such a fixing member. Theshape of the hole is not limited or the shape of the hole of the headmay not be special as long as the fixing member has a special structure,which cannot be released by using a common releasing member such as ascrewdriver and a wrench.

As shown in FIG. 2, the rear member 13 is fixed on the center portion 17of the cap member 12 by using the fixing members V2. Special screws maybe used as the fixing members V2. Meanwhile, because this portion iscovered by the front member 14 and a user cannot directly touch thisportion, fixing members such as common screws may be used here. In otherwords, special fixing members such as special screws may be used as atleast fixing members, which can be touched directly and are mounted onpositions at which the housing 3 is opened/closed. Accordingly, it ispossible to sufficiently prevent the housing 3 from being disassembledeasily.

As shown in FIG. 3, the two light source sections 30 are arranged on thesecond edge portion 8 of the base 1 such that they are aligned in thelonger direction. The light source section 30 includes, as one or morefixed light sources, the plurality of laser light sources 31 capable ofemitting the blue laser light B1 (see FIG. 4). The plurality of laserlight sources 31 are arranged on the second edge portion 8 such thatthey emit the blue laser light B1 toward the first edge portion 7 sidein the optical-axis direction, i.e., the front-back direction as thefirst direction.

Light-collection optical systems are arranged in front of the two lightsource sections 30, respectively. The light-collection optical systemfocuses the blue laser light B1 from the plurality of laser lightsources 31 on a predetermined point of the phosphor unit 40. FIG. 3shows the support 32 in front of the light source section 30. Thesupport 32 supports the light source section 30 and the light-collectionoptical system as one unit. Thanks to the supports 32, thelight-collection unit 33 including the light source section 30 and thelight-collection optical system is formed.

The phosphor unit 40 emits white light along the optical axis A, wherethe blue laser light B1 focused by the light-collection units 33 is theexcitation light. The direction of the optical axis A of the white lightis the same as the direction of the optical-axis direction of the bluelaser light B1 from the plurality of laser light sources 31. In otherwords, the phosphor unit 40 is arranged on the first edge portion 7 suchthat the phosphor unit 40 emits white light in the direction the same asthe optical-axis direction of the blue laser light B1.

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the light source apparatus 100 of FIG. 3seen from the above. FIG. 4 omits to show the supports 32. FIG. 5 is astructural diagram schematically illustrating how the light sourceapparatus 100 emits light.

The light-collection unit 33 includes: the light source section 30including the plurality of laser light sources 31; the light-collectionoptical system 34 configured to focus the blue laser light B1, i.e.,incident light from the plurality of laser light sources 31, on thepredetermined point P; and the support 32 supporting the light sourcesection 30 and the light-collection optical system 34 as one unit.

Each of the plurality of laser light sources 31 is a blue laser lightsource capable of oscillating the blue laser light B1, which has thepeak wavelength of emission intensity in the wavelength range of 400 nmto 500 nm, for example. The plurality of laser light sources 31correspond to one or more solid light sources capable of emitting lighthaving a predetermined wavelength band as incident light. Other lightsources such as LEDs may be used as the solid light sources. Further,the light having a predetermined wavelength band may not be limited tothe blue laser light B1.

The light-collection optical system 34 focuses the blue laser light B1emitted from the plurality of laser light sources 31 on the phosphor 41from the back side of the phosphor unit 40. The light-collection opticalsystem 34 in this embodiment includes the aspheric reflector surface 35and the flat reflector 36. The aspheric reflector surface 35 reflectsand collects incident light from the plurality of laser light sources31.

The flat reflector 36 reflects light from the plurality of laser lightsources 31, which is reflected by the aspheric reflector surface 35, tothe phosphor 41. The flat reflector 36 includes the flat reflectorsurface 37 as a reflector surface that reflects light from the pluralityof laser light sources 31, and reflects light to the phosphor 41 byusing the flat reflector surface 37. As a result, the blue laser lightB1 from the plurality of laser light sources 31 is focused on thepredetermined point P on the phosphor 41 of the phosphor unit 40.

The above-mentioned support 32 supports the light source section 30, theaspheric reflector surface 35, and the flat reflector 36 as one unit.

The phosphor unit 40 includes the phosphor wheel 42 inside as shown inFIG. 5. The phosphor wheel 42 includes the disk-shaped substrate 43,which transmits the blue laser light B1, and the phosphor layer 41arranged on the layout surface 44 of the substrate 43. The motor 45configured to drive the phosphor wheel 42 is connected to the center ofthe substrate 43, the phosphor wheel 42 has the rotary shaft 46 alongthe normal line passing the center of the substrate 43, and the phosphorwheel 42 is capable of rotating the rotary shaft 46 being the center.

The rotary shaft 46 of the phosphor wheel 42 is provided such that itselongated direction is the same as the direction of the optical axis A,which passes through the approximate center of the phosphor unit 40.Further, the rotary shaft 46 is arranged at a position different fromthat of the optical axis A such that the predetermined point P of thephosphor layer 41 is at the approximate center (on the optical axis A)of the phosphor unit 40. As shown in FIG. 4, the light-collection unit33 focuses the blue laser light B1 on the predetermined point P at theapproximate center of the phosphor unit 40.

As shown in FIG. 5, the phosphor wheel 42 is arranged such that one mainsurface 47 on which the phosphor layer 41 is not provided, out of thetwo main surfaces of the substrate 43, faces the light-collection unit33 side. Further, the phosphor wheel 42 is arranged such that the focalposition of the blue laser light B1 focused by the light-collection unit33 is the same as a predetermined point on the phosphor layer 41.

The phosphor layer 41 corresponds to a light emitting body, which isexcited by light from the plurality of laser light sources 31 and emitsvisible light having a wavelength band longer than the wavelength of thelight. In this embodiment, the phosphor layer 41 contains fluorescentmaterials, which is excited by the blue laser light B1 whose centerwavelength is about 445 nm and emits fluorescence. Further, the phosphorlayer 41 converts part of the blue laser light B1 emitted from theplurality of laser light sources 31 into light (i.e., yellow light)having wavelength bands including the red wavelength band to the greenwavelength band, and emits the light.

As the fluorescent materials contained in the phosphor layer 41, YAG(yttrium, aluminum, garnet) phosphors are used, for example. Note thatthe kind of fluorescent materials, the wavelength band of excitationlight, and the wavelength band of visible light generated as the resultof excitation are not limited.

Further, while the phosphor layer 41 absorbs part of excitation light,the phosphor layer 41 transmits part of the excitation light. As aresult, the phosphor layer 41 is also capable of emitting the blue laserlight B1 emitted from the plurality of laser light sources 31. As aresult, the phosphor layer 41 emits white light, which is the mixture ofblue excitation light and yellow fluorescence. Since the phosphor layer41 transmits part of excitation light, the phosphor layer 41 may containfiller particles, which are particle-type substance having opticaltransparency, for example.

When the motor 45 rotates the substrate 43, the laser light sources 31irradiate the phosphor layer 41 with excitation light while theirradiate position on the phosphor layer 41 is moved relatively. As aresult, the phosphor unit 40 emits white light, which contains the bluelaser light B2 passing through the phosphor layer 41 and the green lightG2 and the red light R2 being visible light from the phosphor layer 41,as synthetic light. Because the phosphor wheel 42 rotates, it ispossible to prevent deterioration from being generated, which resultsfrom irradiation of one position on the phosphor layer 41 withexcitation light for a longer period of time.

The phosphor unit 40 corresponds to a light outputting section in thisembodiment. Note that the structure of the phosphor unit 40 is notlimited, and the phosphor wheel 42 may not be used, for example. Forexample, another holder may hold the phosphor layer 41, and blue laserlight from the light-collection units 33 may be focused thereon. In thiscase, also, the below-described cooling structure is capable of coolingthe phosphor layer 41 and its holder down sufficiently.

Each of FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a structuralexample of the light-collection units 33. FIG. 7 omits to show thesupports 32. FIG. 8 is a plan view showing the light-collection units 33of FIG. 7 seen from the above.

As described above, the light-collection unit 33 includes the lightsource section 30, the aspheric reflector surface 35, the flat reflector36, and the support 32 supporting them as one unit. The shape and sizeof the support 32 are not limited as long as the support 32 is capableof supporting them as one unit. Typically, the case-type support 32 isused such that the blue laser light B1 is not leaked to the outside.Therefore the use efficiency of the blue laser light B1 is increased.

As shown in FIG. 7, in this embodiment, a laser light source arrayincluding twenty-eight laser light sources 31 is used as the lightsource section 30. The light source section 30 includes the plate-typeframe 49 including the openings 48. The mounting substrate 51, on whichthe plurality of laser light sources 31 are mounted, is arranged on theback surface 50 (surface of the back side 6) of the frame 49. Theplurality of laser light sources 31 emit the blue laser light B1 in thedirection the same as the optical-axis direction of the optical axis Atoward the front side 5 through the openings 48 of the frame 49. Thelaser light sources 31 are arranged 4×7 (lateral direction (x-axisdirection)×height direction (z-axis direction) of light source apparatus100).

The twenty-eight collimator lenses 53 are arranged on the front surface52 (surface at the front side 5) of the frame 49 corresponding to thepositions of the plurality of laser light sources 31. The collimatorlenses 53 are rotationally-symmetric aspheric lenses, and make the bluelaser light B1 emitted from the laser light sources 31approximately-parallel fluxes. In this embodiment, the lens units 54 areused, and each lens unit 54 integrally includes four collimator lenses53 aligned in a straight line. Seven lens units 54 are aligned in theheight direction. The holders 55 hold the lens units 54 and are fixed onthe frame 49. Note that, with reference to the drawings, the collimatorlenses 53 will be referred to as the laser light sources 31.

The structure of the light source section 30 is not limited, and theframe 49 may not be used, for example. The number of the laser lightsources 31, how they are aligned, the structures of the collimatorlenses 53, and the like are not limited. For example, the lens units 54may not be used, and a collimator lens may be arranged for each laserlight source 31. Alternatively, one collimator lens may bundle thefluxes from the plurality of laser light sources 31 to obtain anapproximately-parallel flux. Note that part of fluxes of the blue laserlight B1 emitted from the plurality of laser light sources 31 (thecollimator lenses 53) is shown in the drawings.

The reflector 56 including the aspheric reflector surface 35 is arrangedat the front side 5 of the plurality of laser light sources 31. Thereflector 56 is arranged such that the aspheric reflector surface 35faces the plurality of laser light sources 31. The aspheric reflectorsurface 35 is arranged such that it is oblique to the planar direction(xz-plane direction) of the layout surface 52 on which the plurality oflaser light sources 31 are arranged. With this structure, the blue laserlight B1 is reflected toward the flat reflector 36. A reflector mirroris used as the reflector 56, for example.

Typically, the aspheric reflector surface 35 is a specular concavereflector surface, and its shape is designed such that it is capable ofreflecting the blue laser light B1 from the plurality of laser lightsources 31 to be collected. Further, the aspheric reflector surface 35may be a rotationally-symmetric aspheric or may be a free-form surfacehaving no rotationally-symmetric axis. The shape of the asphericreflector surface 35 is determined arbitrarily based on the positions ofthe plurality of laser light sources 31, the light-reflection direction,the light-collecting position, the size and the incident angle of theflux of the laser light B1 entering the aspheric reflector surface 35,and the like. The material of the reflector 56 is not limited, and ismade of a metal material, glass, or the like, for example.

The outer shape and the size of the reflector 56 may be determinedarbitrarily depending on the size of the area irradiated with the bluelaser light B1. For example, a substantially-rectangular reflector 56, atriangle reflector 56, or a reflector 56 having another polygon shape,or the like may be used. According to this structure, it is possible toarbitrarily adjust the outer shape of the reflector 56 more easily andto make it smaller than the case where a condenser lens is used tocollect light from the plurality of laser light sources 31 and the like.As a result, the light-collection optical system 34 may be downsized,and it is possible to prevent the light source apparatus 100 from beingupsized.

As shown in FIG. 8, the support member 57 supports the reflector 56. Asshown in FIG. 6, the support member 57 is fixed to the support 32 withscrews. With this structure, the reflector 56 is supported by thesupport 32.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged view showing the enlarged flat reflector 36supported by the support 32. The flat reflector 36 includes the flatreflector member 60 having the flat reflector surface 37. The flatreflector surface 37 reflects the blue laser light B1, which isreflected by the aspheric reflector surface 35, toward the predeterminedpoint P on the phosphor layer 41. Typically, the flat reflector surface37 is specular. A reflector mirror is used as the flat reflector member,for example. The material of the flat reflector member 60 is notlimited, and is made of a metal material, glass, or the like, forexample.

Further, the flat reflector 36 includes the reflector-member holder 61holding the flat reflector member 60, the support frame 62 supportingthe bottom of the reflector-member holder 61 rotatably and tiltably, andthe coupler 63 coupling the reflector-member holder 61 and the supportframe 62 at the top side of the reflector-member holder 61.

As shown in FIG. 9, the reflector-member holder 61 is plate-type, andthe concave 64 is formed on the approximately whole area of one surfacethereof. The plate-type flat reflector member 60 is fitted in theconcave 64. The reflector-member holder 61 is provided such that itstands up in the height direction (z-axis direction). The normal linedirection of the surface including the concave 64, i.e., the normal linedirection of the flat reflector surface 37, is perpendicular to the zaxis.

The axis portions 65 are formed on the end portions of thereflector-member holder 61, and extend in the z-axis direction. The axisportions 65 are integrally formed with the reflector-member holder 61.For example, when the axis portions 65 are rotated, the reflector-memberholder 61 is also rotated. As a result, the flat reflector member 60,which is held by the reflector-member holder 61, also moves integrallywith the axis portions 65. In other words, the reflector-member holder61 holds the flat reflector surface 37 integrally with the axis portions65.

As shown in FIG. 9, the axis portions 65 are formed above and below thereflector-member holder 61 such that they are aligned in a straightline. The mount portions 66 are formed above and below thereflector-member holder 61, and the axis portions 65 are formed on themount portions 66, respectively. The mount portions 66 formed above andbelow the reflector-member holder 61 have the same shape, and the axisportions 65 formed above and below the reflector-member holder 61 havethe same shape.

One of the two axis portions 65 is inserted in the axis support hole 67formed in the support frame 62. The other axis portion 65 is used as thehandle 68, which is handled to adjust the angle of the flat reflectorsurface 37. The coupler 63 is mounted on the mount portion 66 at thehandle 68 side. The axis portion 65 inserted in the axis support hole 67is arbitrarily selected based on, for example, the arrangement positionof the flat reflector surface 37, the design of the light-collectionunits 33, and the like.

When the reflector-member holder 61 is formed, the axis portions 65having the same shape are formed above and below the reflector-memberholder 61. In other words, the axis portion 65 and the handle 68 havingthe same shape may be formed without distinction. So it is possible tolower the manufacturing cost of the reflector-member holder 61. Further,because it is possible to select the axis portion 65 to be inserted inthe axis support hole 67, it is possible to increase the degree offreedom of the reflector-member holder 61 to be mounted.

The support frame 62 includes the lower support 69, the upper support70, and the coupling frame 71 coupling them. The lower support 69 andthe upper support 70 are arranged at the positions approximately thesame as the bottom and the top of the reflector-member holder 61 in thez-axis direction such that they face each other. The coupling frame 71extends in the z-axis direction, and couples the lower support 69 andthe upper support 70.

The axis support hole 67 is formed in the lower support 69, and supportsthe axis portion 65 of the reflector-member holder 61. Since the axisportion 65 is inserted in the axis support hole 67, the reflector-memberholder 61 is supported rotatably and tiltably. As the axis support hole67, an oval hole having a short-axis direction and a long-axis directionis formed, for example. A circular inserted axis is inserted in the ovalaxis support hole 67, the diameter of the circular inserted axis beingapproximately the same as the size of the axis support hole 67 in theshort-axis direction. The inserted axis is inserted rotatably in theaxis support hole 67 and tiltably in the long-axis direction. Forexample, according to this structure, a biaxial drive mechanism, whichincludes a rotary drive system about the axis portions 65 (axis B) as arotary shaft, and a rotary drive system (tilt drive system) about theaxis C as a rotary shaft with reference to the axis support hole 67, isrealized. According to this structure, is possible to adjust the angleof the flat reflector surface 37 in the rotary direction and the tiltdirection of the axis portions 65.

Note that the structure for supporting the axis portions 65 rotatablyand tiltably is not limited to the above-mentioned structure, but anarbitrary structure may be used. Further, the material and the like ofthe support frame 62 including the lower support 69 and thereflector-member holder 61 including the axis portions 65 are notlimited. For example, metal, plastic, and the like may be usedarbitrarily.

As shown in FIG. 9, the support frame 62 is supported by the framesupport member 74. The frame support member 74 is included in thesupport 32, which supports the flat reflector 36 and the like as oneunit. In this embodiment, the support frame 62 is supported movably withrespect to the frame support member 74 in the front-back direction(y-axis direction) of the light source apparatus 100. When the supportframe 62 is moved in the y-axis direction, the reflector-member holder61 and the support frame 62 are moved integrally. As a result, theposition of the flat reflector surface 37 is adjusted.

The structure of the move mechanism, with which the support frame 62 ismovable, is not limited. For example, guide members and the like forguiding the support frame 62 are formed above and below the framesupport member 74. Further, spring members and the like elastic in themove direction may be used arbitrarily to thereby structure the movemechanism. Alternatively, an arbitrary structure may be employed.According to the move mechanism, a linear drive mechanism is realized,in which the axis D is the drive axis.

The position and the angle of the flat reflector surface 37 are adjustedwhen the screw 77 is temporarily loose. When the handle 68 is rotated,the angle of the flat reflector surface 37 is adjusted, the axisportions 65 being the center. As a result, it is possible to adjust theposition of the focus point P in the lateral direction. Further, bymoving the handle 68 in the front-back direction to tilt the axisportion 65, the inclination of the flat reflector surface 37 isadjusted. As a result, it is possible to adjust the position of thefocus point P in the height direction. Further, by adjusting theposition of the support frame 62 in the front-back direction, the focusposition of the focus point P may be adjusted. After adjustment, thescrew 77 is screwed, and the coupler 63 and the upper support 70 arefixed on the frame support member 74.

In the light source apparatus 100 in this embodiment, the twolight-collection units 33 are arranged at the two symmetric positionsabout the axis A passing through the phosphor layer 41. According tothis structure, the fifty-six, i.e., double, laser light sources 31 areprovided. The brightness of white light emitted from the phosphor layer41 may thus be increased.

If a condenser lens collects light from as many as fifty-six laser lightsources 31, for example, it is necessary to prepare an enormously-largelens. However, in this embodiment, since the light-collection units 33including the aspheric reflector surfaces 35 are used, it is possible toprevent the light source apparatus from being upsized. So it is possibleto prevent the light source apparatus from being upsized and to increasethe brightness at the same time.

Note that the blue laser light B1 from the two light-collection units 33may be focused on one focus point P. Alternatively, the blue laser lightB1 from the two light-collection units 33 may be focused on differentfocus points in different positions on the phosphor layer 41,respectively. Accordingly it is possible to prevent the phosphor layer41 from being deteriorated.

In this embodiment, the optical-axis direction of the white light W fromthe phosphor unit 40 is the same as the direction of the blue laserlight B1 emitted from the plurality of laser light sources 31. So theblue laser light B1 is handled easily. For example, when assembling thelight source apparatus 100, adjusting the members, and the like, a usermay understand the travelling direction of the blue laser light B1easily. So, for example, it is possible to prevent unnecessaryirradiation of laser light from occurring easily for safety reasons.

Further, in this embodiment, the aspheric reflector surface 35 is usedto focus light on the phosphor 41. Accordingly it is possible todownsize the light source apparatus 100. For example even if the numberof the laser light sources 31 is increased for higher brightness, it ispossible to prevent the light-collection optical system 34 from beingupsized. As a result, it is possible to prevent the device from beingupsized and to increase the brightness at the same time. Further, sincethe aspheric reflector surface 35 is used, it is also possible to easilyrealize the structure depending on the necessary brightness and shape.

Further, in this embodiment, the flat reflector member 60 is used, whichreflects the blue laser light B1 reflected by the aspheric reflectorsurface 35 toward the phosphor 41.

Since such a reflector is provided, it is possible to increase a degreeof freedom when designing the light-collection optical system 34. As aresult, the light source apparatus 100 may be downsized, may have adesired shape, and the like.

Further, in this embodiment, the support 32 supports the plurality oflaser light sources 31 and the light-collection optical system 34 as oneunit. According to this structure, a plurality of units of thelight-collection units 33 may be arranged easily. In other words,multiple units may be available. The shapes and the like of thelight-collection units 33 may be changed freely. So it is possible toarbitrarily combine the light-collection units 33 having variousstructures to correspond to various specs.

[Cooling Structure]

Next, a cooling structure for cooling down the phosphor unit 40 of thelight source apparatus 100 having the above-mentioned structure will bedescribed. According to the cooling structure of the present technology,it is possible to cool down the phosphor wheel 42 and the motor 45efficiently.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the light source apparatus 100of FIG. 1 along the C-C line. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a structuralexample of the airflow-sending unit 170 for sending cooling airflow forcooling down the phosphor unit 40 in the space 4 of the housing 3 of thelight source apparatus 100.

As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 10, the housing 3 includes the inlet 150into which cooling airflow is drawn, and the outlet 151 from which thecooling airflow W is exhausted. The inlet 150 and the outlet 151 areformed such that they do not face the light path of the blue laser lightB1 from the light source section 30 to the phosphor unit 40. The inlet150 and the outlet 151 are formed at such positions that the blue laserlight B1 travelling on the light path cannot be seen when the space 4 ofthe housing 3 is seen from the inlet 150 and the outlet 151, forexample. This also means that the opening directions of the inlet 150and the outlet 151 into the space 4 do not face the optical axis.Further, this also means that although an opening direction faces theoptical axis, the opening direction does not directly face the opticalaxis because another member exists on the optical axis.

As described above, the phosphor unit 40 includes the phosphor wheel 42for supporting the phosphor layer 41, the motor 45 rotating the phosphorwheel 42, and the condenser lens 79 for collecting white light. As shownin FIG. 10, the inlet 150 is formed at such a position that the coolingairflow W drawn from the inlet 150 is sent to the phosphor wheel 42 andthe motor 45. As a result, the phosphor wheel 42 and the motor 45 may becooled down efficiently. As a result, long-term reliability of thephosphor wheel 42 and the motor 45 may be secured.

In this embodiment, the phosphor unit 40 is arranged on the first edgeportion 7 of the base 1. The inlet 150 is formed on the first edgeportion 7 of the base 1 such that the inlet 150 faces the phosphor unit40. As shown in FIG. 10, as the inlet 150, an opening is formed on thebottom surface 153 and the front surface 154 of the first edge portion 7such that the opening faces the phosphor wheel 42. The cooling airflow Wis sent from the inlet 150 in the front direction of the phosphor wheel42 to the obliquely upward direction. In the vicinity of the phosphorwheel 42, the rotary centrifugal force of the wheel creates airflow. Sothe cooling airflow W is flowed in smoothly.

The outlet 151 is formed on the cap 10 side of the housing 3. In thisembodiment, the two light source sections 30 are arranged on the secondedge portion 8 of the base 1. The outlet 151 is formed near the cap 10at the second edge portion 8 side. The outlet 151 is formed on anapproximate center position between the two light source sections 30 inthe lateral direction of the cap 10. This position is on the opticalaxis A of FIG. 3, and at the back side of the inlet 150 (see FIG. 12).

Since the outlet 151 is formed between the two light source sections 30,cooling airflow is exhausted smoothly. Further, airflow is sent to theheatsink 90 at the back side of the light source section 30 from a fanor the like. A design or the like for drawing cooling airflow from theoutlet more efficiently by using the airflow from the fan may beavailable.

As shown in FIG. 10, in an area (the overlapped portion 21) in which therear member 13 overlaps with the front member 14, both of whichstructure the chassis 2, the space 155 is formed between them. Theback-end opening portion of the overlapped portion 21 is the outlet 151.Accordingly, the cooling airflow W passes through the space 155 of theoverlapped portion 21, and is exhausted from the outlet 151.

Further, the curving portion 160 is formed in the space 4 being the flowpath of the cooling airflow W, and is configured to curve the flow pathof cooling airflow passing through the phosphor unit 40 from the inlet150 to the outlet 151. The curving portion 160 is formed by arbitrarilyarranging the curving member 161 on the path of the cooling airflow W,for example. As described above, since the flow path of the coolingairflow W from the inlet 150 to the outlet 151 is curved, it is possibleto sufficiently prevent the blue laser light B1 from being leaked fromthe inlet 150 or the outlet 151. In other words, if the inlet 150 andthe outlet 151 are formed at positions from which the blue laser lightB1 is not leaked, it is possible to efficiently send the cooling airflowW travelling therebetween to a cool-down target. So it is effective toform the curving portion 160.

As the curving member 161 to form the curving portion 160, a memberarranged in the space 4 of the housing 3 may be used. In other words,members and the like of the light-collection units 33 and the phosphorunit 40 are used arbitrarily as the curving member 161, theirarrangement positions are arbitrarily designed, and the curving portion160 may thus be formed. In this embodiment, the flat reflector 36 of thelight-collection unit 33 curves the flow path of the cooling airflow W.Further, the rear member 13, the front member 14, and the likestructuring the chassis 2 curve the flow path of the cooling airflow W.In other words, those members are used as the curving member 161. As aresult, the number of components may be reduced, and the curving portion160 may be structured easily.

As shown in FIG. 11, the airflow-sending unit (airflow-sender) 170 forsending the cooling airflow W to the inlet 150 is mounted on the frontside 5 of the light source apparatus 100. The airflow-sending unit 170includes the fan 171, the fan duct 172, and the sending duct 173. Therotary shaft of the fan 171 is provided in the height direction, and thefan 171 rotates in the horizontal direction (xy-plane direction). Thefan 171 is arranged at an approximate center position in the heightdirection of the side wall 9. The fan duct 172 is arranged such that itis connected to the fan 171 and is bent downwardly toward the inlet 150formed on the base 1. The end of the fan duct 172 is connected to thesending duct 173. The sending duct 173 is connected to the inlet 150formed on the base 1, and the cooling airflow W is sent from the sendingduct 173 to the inlet 150. As described above, since the airflow-sendingunit 170 sends the cooling airflow W, the phosphor wheel 42 and themotor 45 may be sufficiently cooled down. Note that the structure andarrangement position of the airflow-sending unit 170 are not limited,but may be arbitrarily designed.

With reference to FIG. 10, the flow of the cooling airflow W from theinlet 150 to the outlet 151 will be described. First, the fan 171 of theairflow-sending unit 170 is rotated, and the cooling airflow W is sentto the inlet 150 via the fan duct 172 and the sending duct 173. As aresult, the cooling airflow W is sent from the front side of thephosphor wheel 42 to the obliquely upward direction. After the coolingairflow W is blew on the phosphor wheel 42 and the motor 45, the flatreflector 36 curves the path of the cooling airflow W, and the coolingairflow W travels upward. At this time, the cooling airflow W travelsalong the back side of the phosphor unit 40. As a result, the phosphorwheel 42 and the motor 45 are sufficiently cooled down. The coolingairflow W travels upward from the opening 19 of the cap member 12 ofFIG. 2. Then the top surface 23 of the front member 14, which isarranged so as to overlap with the cap member 12, curves the path, andthe cooling airflow W travels backward. Then the cooling airflow W isexhausted from the outlet 151 to the outside of the housing 3 while theflow path is between the top surface 23 and the rear member 13.

As described above, in this embodiment, the cooling airflow from theinlet 150 passes through the phosphor unit 40 and travels to the outlet151 in the second direction perpendicular to the direction of theoptical axis A. Because the direction of the flow path of the coolingairflow W is perpendicular to the optical-axis direction, it is possibleto prevent the blue laser light B1 from being leaked sufficiently and tocool down the device efficiently. Further, as shown in FIG. 12, seenfrom the above of the light source apparatus 100, the cooling airflow Wtravels in the direction of the optical axis A and in the directionopposite to the light path of the blue laser light B1. This structure isalso effective to reduce leakage of light. Note that the flow path ofthe cooling airflow W is not limited to one perpendicular or opposite tothe optical axis.

Note that in this embodiment, the flow path including and after theopening 19 of the cap member 12 is structured as the light-attenuationpath 180 having a predetermined length toward the outlet 151. Thelight-attenuation path 180 is capable of sufficiently reducing theenergy (intensity) of light even if incident light is leaked from theoutlet 151. As a basic structure, a path, which has a cross sectionhaving the size approximately the same as the size of the outlet 151 andhas a predetermined length, is formed toward the outlet 151. Even iflight travels toward the outlet, the light is reflected by the innerwall of the path again and again, and the energy of the light isattenuated.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, the light-attenuation portion180 includes the opening 19 of the cap member 12, the top surface 23 ofthe front member 14, and the rear member 13 behind the opening 19.According to this structure, even if the blue laser light B1 is leakedfrom the outlet 151, it is possible to reduce the energy of the lightand to sufficiently suppress the influence by the leaked light. In thisembodiment, the chassis 2 includes a plurality of frame members. Byarbitrarily designing the size of the overlapped portion 21, thearrangement positions of the members, and the like, thelight-attenuation portion 180 may be formed easily. Note that thestructure of the light-attenuation portion 180 is not limited. Further,the light-attenuation portion 180 may not be limited to the structureincluding a plurality of frame members.

As described above, in the light source apparatus 100 in thisembodiment, the housing 3, which holds the light source section 30 andthe phosphor unit 40, includes the inlet 150, the outlet 151, and thespace 4. The cooling airflow W travels from the inlet 150 to the outlet151 in the space 4 as a flow path, and cools down the phosphor unit 40having the phosphor layer 41. The inlet 150 and the outlet 151 areformed so as not to face the blue laser light B1 from the light sourcesection 30 to the fluorescence unit 40. According to this structure, itis possible to prevent the blue laser light B1 from being leaked fromthe housing 3, and to efficiently cool down the device. Further, bystructuring the chassis 2 including a plurality of frame members, it ispossible to easily realize the above-mentioned cooling structure and thelight-attenuation portion 180.

FIG. 13 are diagrams schematically showing other structural examples ofarrangements of a plurality of light-collection units. For example, asshown in FIGS. 13A and B, four light-collection units 233 (333) may besymmetrically arranged about the optical axis A. The light-collectionunits 233 (333) are arbitrarily adjusted such that light is focused on afocus point on the optical axis A. The number of the light-collectionunits arranged is not limited, and more light-collection units may bearranged.

In FIG. 13A, as a layout surface on which a plurality of laser lightsources are arranged, one having a rectangular planar shape is used. Theplanar shape of the layout surface is a planar shape seen in theemission direction of incident light from a plurality of laser lightsources. For example, in the light source section 30 of FIG. 7, theplanar shape of the plate-type frame 49 corresponds to the planar shapeof the layout surface. As shown in FIG. 13, the outer shape of thelight-collection unit 233 seen in the emission direction is alsorectangular similar to the shape of the layout surface.

In FIG. 13B, as a layout surface on which a plurality of laser lightsources are arranged, one having a triangular planar shape is used.Accordingly, it is possible to form the outer shape of thelight-collection unit 333 triangular. Because an aspheric reflectorsurface is used as a light-collection optical system, the number oflight sources, arrangements, and the like have a high degree of freedom.This is because the shape, size, and the like of the aspheric reflectorsurface may be designed arbitrarily depending on fluxes from the lightsources. As a result, a light source, in which a plurality of lightsources are arranged on a triangular layout surface, may be used asshown in FIG. 13B. Further, it is possible to realize a light-collectionunit having a triangular outer shape seen in the optical-axis direction.

As described above, the shape of the light-collection unit may bedesigned freely. So it is possible to easily design the shape of thelight-collection unit appropriate to multiple units, and to arrange aplurality of light-collection units in a limited space. As a result, thelight source apparatus may be downsized.

Further, by arranging a plurality of light-collection unitssymmetrically about the optical axis A being the center, the number oflight-collection units and the combination of light-collection unitshaving various shapes may have a higher degree of freedom. As a result,various specs may be available. Note that the planar shape of a layoutsurface is not limited to a rectangle or a triangle, but may be apolygon, a circle, or the like. The shape of the layout surface may bearbitrarily determined corresponding to the shape of a necessarylight-collection unit.

[Image Display Apparatus]

An image display apparatus in this embodiment will be described. Here, aprojector, on which the above-described light source apparatus of theabove-mentioned embodiment is to be mounted, will be described as anexample. FIG. 14 is a diagram schematically showing a structural exampleof the projector.

The projector 300 includes the light source apparatus 100 of the presenttechnology, the lighting system 400, and the projecting system 600. Thelighting system 400 includes the image-generating device 410 forgenerating an image with irradiation light, and the lighting opticalsystem 420 irradiating the image-generating device 410 with incidentlight from the light source apparatus 100. The projecting system 600projects an image generated by the image-generating device 410. Thelighting system 400 functions as an image-generating system in thisembodiment.

As shown in FIG. 14, the lighting system 400 includes the integratordevice 430, the polarization-converting device 440, and the condenserlens 450. The integrator device 430 includes the first fly-eye lens 431,which includes a plurality of two-dimensionally aligned micro lenses,and the second fly-eye lens 432, which includes a plurality of microlenses aligned corresponding to those micro lenses one by one.

The micro lenses of the first fly-eye lens 431 divide parallel light,which has entered the integrator device 430 from the light sourceapparatus 100, into a plurality of fluxes. The plurality of fluxes formimages on the corresponding micro lenses of the second fly-eye lens 432.The micro lenses of the second fly-eye lens 432 function as secondarylight sources, and the polarization-converting device 440 is irradiatedwith a plurality of parallel light fluxes having the same brightness asincident light.

As a whole, the integrator device 430 has a function of adjustingincident light from the light source apparatus 100, with which thepolarization-converting device 440 is irradiated, to have a uniformbrightness distribution.

The polarization-converting device 440 has a function of adjusting thepolarization state of incident light entering via the integrator device430 and the like. The polarization-converting device 440 emits incidentlight including blue laser light B3, green light G3, and red light R3via the condenser lens 450 and the like arranged at the emission side ofthe light source apparatus 100, for example.

The lighting optical system 420 includes the dichroic mirrors 460 and470, the mirrors 480, 490, and 500, the relay lenses 510 and 520, thefield lenses 530R, 530G, and 530B, the liquid crystal light valves 410R,410G, and 410B as image-generating devices, and the dichroic prism 540.

Each of the dichroic mirrors 460 and 470 is configured to selectivelyreflect color light having a predetermined wavelength band, andtransmits light having the other wavelength band. With reference to FIG.14, for example, the dichroic mirror 460 selectively reflects the redlight R3. The dichroic mirror 470 selectively reflects the green lightG3 out of the green light G3 and the blue light B3 passing through thedichroic mirror 460. The remaining blue light B3 passes through thedichroic mirror 470. As a result, light emitted from the light sourceapparatus 100 is divided into a plurality of color lights havingdifferent colors.

The red light R3 obtained by division is reflected by the mirror 480,passes through the field lens 530R, is thus parallelized, and thenenters the liquid crystal light valve 410R for modulating red light. Thegreen light G3 passes through the field lens 530G, is thus parallelized,and then enters the liquid crystal light valve 410G for modulating greenlight. The blue light B3 passes through the relay lens 510, is reflectedby the mirror 490, further passes through the relay lens 520, and isreflected by the mirror 500. The blue light B3 is reflected by themirror 500, passes through the field lens 530B, is thus parallelized,and then enters the liquid crystal light valve 410B for modulating bluelight.

The liquid crystal light valves 410R, 410G, and 410B are electricallyconnected to a not-shown signal source (for example, PC, etc.)configured to supply image signals including image information. Theliquid crystal light valves 410R, 410G, and 410B modulate incident lightof each pixel based on supplied image signals of the respective colors,and generate a red image, a green image, and a blue image, respectively.The modulated light of the respective colors (formed images) enters thedichroic prism 540 and is synthesized. The dichroic prism 540 superposesand synthesizes light of the respective colors entering from the threedirections, and emits the synthesized light to the projecting system600.

The projecting system 600 includes the plurality of lenses 610 and thelike, and irradiates a not-shown screen with the light synthesized bythe dichroic prism 540. As a result, a full-color image is displayed.

Since the light source apparatus 100 of the present technology isprovided, the projector 300 may be downsized. Further, by arbitrarilydetermining the shape and the like of the light source apparatus 100,the design of the outer shape of the projector 300 may be improved.

Other Embodiments

The present technology is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment,but may be realized by other various embodiments.

In the projector 300 of FIG. 14, the lighting system 400 using atransmissive liquid crystal panel is shown. However, the lighting systemmay also be structured by using a reflective liquid crystal panel. As animage-generating device, a digital micro mirror device (DMD) or the likemay be used. Further, instead of the dichroic prism 540, a polarizationbeam splitter (PBS), a color-synthesis prism for synthesizing RGB imagesignals, a TIR (Total Internal Reflection) prism, or the like may beused.

Further, in the above, as the image display apparatus of the presenttechnology, a device other than a projector may be structured. Further,the light source apparatus of the present technology may be used in adevice other than an image display apparatus.

At least two features of the features of the above-mentioned embodimentsmay be combined.

Note that the present technology may employ the following structures.

(1) A light source apparatus, including:

a light source section including one or more solid light sources capableof emitting light of a predetermined wavelength band as incident light;

a light outputting section including a light emitting body configured tobe excited by incident light from the light source section and to emitvisible light having a wavelength band longer than a wavelength of theincident light, the light outputting section being capable of emittingsynthetic light containing light having the predetermined wavelengthband and visible light from the light emitting body; and

a housing holding the light source section and the light outputtingsection, the housing including an inlet and an outlet formed not to facea light path of the incident light from the light source section to thelight outputting section, and a space as a flow path of cooling airflowfor cooling down the light outputting section, the cooling airflow beingdrawn into the inlet and exhausted from the outlet.

(2) The light source apparatus according to (1), in which

the space includes a curving portion for curving a flow path of coolingairflow travelling the light outputting section from the inlet to theoutlet.

(3) The light source apparatus according to (1) or (2), in which

the light outputting section includes a wheel supporting the lightemitting body, a motor for rotating the wheel, and a lens for focusingthe synthetic light, and

the inlet is formed at such a position that the cooling airflow drawninto the inlet is sent to the wheel and the motor.

(4) The light source apparatus according to any one of (1) to (4), inwhich

the housing includes a base and a chassis supported by the base,

the light outputting section is held by the base, and

the inlet is formed to face the light outputting section.

(5) The light source apparatus according to (4), in which

the base has a planar shape, the base including a first edge portion anda second edge portion facing each other in a first direction,

the chassis includes a side wall extending in a second direction and acap covering the side wall, the second direction being perpendicular toa planar direction of the base,

the inlet is formed at the base side of the housing, and

the outlet is formed at the cap side of the housing.

(6) The light source apparatus according to (5), in which

the one or more solid light sources are arranged on the second edgeportion such that the incident light is emitted toward the first edgeportion side in the first direction as an optical-axis direction,

the light outputting section is arranged on the first edge portion suchthat the synthetic light is emitted in the direction the same as theoptical-axis direction,

the inlet is formed on the first edge portion of the base, and

the outlet is formed near the cap at the second edge portion side.

(7) The light source apparatus according to any one of (1) to (6), inwhich

the space has a light-attenuation path having a predetermined lengthformed toward the outlet.

(8) The light source apparatus according to any one of (4) to (7), inwhich

the chassis includes a plurality of frame members arranged such that anoverlapped portion is formed, adjacent portions of members overlappingwith each other in the overlapped portion.

(9) The light source apparatus according to (7), in which

the light-attenuation path is structured by a plurality of frame membersarranged such that an overlapped portion is formed, adjacent portions ofmembers as the chassis overlapping with each other in the overlappedportion.

(10) The light source apparatus according to (8) or (9), in which

the plurality of frame members are mounted one by one starting from thebase and are thus assembled such that the plurality of frame members arenot disassembled when the cap is fixed.

(11) The light source apparatus according to (10), in which

the cap is fixed by a fixing member, a fixing status of the fixingmember being capable of being released by using a dedicated releasingmember.

(12) The light source apparatus according to any one of (1) to (11),further including:

an airflow-sender for sending the cooling airflow into the inlet.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS

-   A optical axis-   B1 blue laser light-   G2 green light-   R2 red light-   W white light-   1 base-   2 chassis-   3 housing-   4 space-   7 first edge portion-   8 second edge portion-   9 side wall-   10 cap-   11 side wall member-   12 cap member-   13 rear member-   14 front member-   21 overlapped portion-   30 light source section-   31 laser light source-   40 phosphor unit-   41 phosphor layer-   42 phosphor wheel-   45 motor-   150 inlet-   151 outlet-   160 curving portion-   170 sending unit-   180 light-attenuation portion-   300 projector-   400 lighting system-   410 image-generating device-   420 lighting optical system-   600 projecting system

1. A light source apparatus, comprising: a light source sectionincluding one or more solid light sources capable of emitting light of apredetermined wavelength band as incident light; a light outputtingsection including a light emitting body configured to be excited byincident light from the light source section and to emit visible lighthaving a wavelength band longer than a wavelength of the incident light,the light outputting section being capable of emitting synthetic lightcontaining light having the predetermined wavelength band and visiblelight from the light emitting body; and a housing holding the lightsource section and the light outputting section, the housing includingan inlet and an outlet formed not to face a light path of the incidentlight from the light source section to the light outputting section, anda space as a flow path of cooling airflow for cooling down the lightoutputting section, the cooling airflow being drawn into the inlet andexhausted from the outlet.
 2. The light source apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein the space includes a curving portion for curving a flowpath of cooling airflow travelling the light outputting section from theinlet to the outlet.
 3. The light source apparatus according to claim 1,wherein the light outputting section includes a wheel supporting thelight emitting body, a motor for rotating the wheel, and a lens forfocusing the synthetic light, and the inlet is formed at such a positionthat the cooling airflow drawn into the inlet is sent to the wheel andthe motor.
 4. The light source apparatus according to claim 1, whereinthe housing includes a base and a chassis supported by the base, thelight outputting section is held by the base, and the inlet is formed toface the light outputting section.
 5. The light source apparatusaccording to claim 4, wherein the base has a planar shape, the baseincluding a first edge portion and a second edge portion facing eachother in a first direction, the chassis includes a side wall extendingin a second direction and a cap covering the side wall, the seconddirection being perpendicular to a planar direction of the base, theinlet is formed at the base side of the housing, and the outlet isformed at the cap side of the housing.
 6. The light source apparatusaccording to claim 5, wherein the one or more solid light sources arearranged on the second edge portion such that the incident light isemitted toward the first edge portion side in the first direction as anoptical-axis direction, the light outputting section is arranged on thefirst edge portion such that the synthetic light is emitted in thedirection the same as the optical-axis direction, the inlet is formed onthe first edge portion of the base, and the outlet is formed near thecap at the second edge portion side.
 7. The light source apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein the space has a light-attenuation pathhaving a predetermined length formed toward the outlet.
 8. The lightsource apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the chassis includes aplurality of frame members arranged such that an overlapped portion isformed, adjacent portions of members overlapping with each other in theoverlapped portion.
 9. The light source apparatus according to claim 7,wherein the light-attenuation path is structured by a plurality of framemembers arranged such that an overlapped portion is formed, adjacentportions of members as the chassis overlapping with each other in theoverlapped portion.
 10. The light source apparatus according to claim 8,wherein the plurality of frame members are mounted one by one startingfrom the base and are thus assembled such that the plurality of framemembers are not disassembled when the cap is fixed.
 11. The light sourceapparatus according to claim 10, wherein the cap is fixed by a fixingmember, a fixing status of the fixing member being capable of beingreleased by using a dedicated releasing member.
 12. The light sourceapparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: an airflow-senderfor sending the cooling airflow into the inlet.
 13. An image displayapparatus, comprising: (a) a light source apparatus including a lightsource section including one or more solid light sources capable ofemitting light of a predetermined wavelength band as incident light, alight outputting section including a light emitting body configured tobe excited by incident light from the light source section and to emitvisible light having a wavelength band longer than a wavelength of theincident light, the light outputting section being capable of emittingsynthetic light containing light having the predetermined wavelengthband and visible light from the light emitting body, and a housingholding the light source section and the light outputting section, thehousing including an inlet and an outlet formed not to face a light pathof the incident light from the light source section to the lightoutputting section, and a space as a flow path of cooling airflow forcooling down the light outputting section, the cooling airflow beingdrawn into the inlet and exhausted from the outlet; (b) animage-generating system including an image-generating device configuredto generate an image with light, the image-generating device beingirradiated with the light, and a lighting optical system configured toirradiate the image-generating device with incident light from the lightsource apparatus; and (c) a projecting system configured to project animage generated by the image-generating device.